Christopher W. Eckard
A 1998 graduate of St. Stephens High School, Chris, the son of Eunice and the late Steven V. Eckard, was born and raised in Hickory, NC. He joined the Army National Guard in 1998 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 2001.
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During his active duty he earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with distinguished device ("V"); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement with combat distinguished device ("V") and gold star in lieu on 2nd Award; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal bronze star in lieu of 2nd Award; Combat Action Ribbon; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and the National Defense Service Medal.